Out and About Staff Picks

BEST CD RELEASE PARTY: The Seedy Seeds Photo Courtesy of The Seedy Seeds

BEST CD RELEASE PARTY: During these down economic times and facing an uncertain future, who doesn’t need a little spiritual pick-me-up? Local Folktronica duo-turned-trio The Seedy Seeds’ music is about as happy and uplifting as it comes. And their CD release party last year at the Southgate House — for their latest, Count the Days — was no different. People in the audience said “Excuse me” if they bumped into you, the bartenders seemed extra-friendly and the band played a fantastic set — with some great special guests (including newest Seed, drummer Brian Penick) — that culminated with a rooflifting, smile-demanding version of “Sweet Caroline.” Here’s our suggestion for an official band motto: “The Seedy Seeds: Killing Cynicism One Show at a Time.” (www.theseedyseeds.com).

BEST WAY TO REMEMBER CINCY’S ’90S INDIE SCENE: Chicago based writer and music industry vet Bob Gendron penned the tale behind Gentlemen, the major-label debut and breakthrough album by The Afghan Whigs, for the fantastic 33 1/3 book series. Though focused on the Whigs and their rise to international acclaim, parts of the book also touched on the band’s early years, scrapping it out in various Cincinnati dives. Makes us want to do laundry while we drink beer and rock out all over again.

BEST THING ABOUT THE WEBN FIREWORKS: There’s no denying that the ’EBN fireworks are the best in the entire region. This past year, the booms and bangs were great and all, but anyone who knew local musician and radio personality Ken “Mr. K” Glidewell had to get a little choked up by the tribute the station worked into the fireworks soundtrack. “Freebird” never sounded so good.

BEST BABY SHOWER GIFT: Local music collective The Ceilidh Group put together a CD of excellent children’s songs performed by various local artists. Isn’t It a Wonder featured artists like Jake Speed, Papa Joe, Joel Caithamer, Nancy Bick Clark, Greg Mahan, Zak Morgan, Joan Whittaker, Prudence Hunt, Roberta Schultz, Dave Hawkins and many others performing original kids songs. Kids’ music can be painful, but Isn’t It a Wonder is blissfully above the genre’s usual simplicity.

BEST WAY TO LOOK DEEP WITHIN YOURSELF: The renowned Bodies … The Exhibition at the Cincinnati Museum Center was educational and featured a few layers of controversy for good measure. The exhibit, basically featuring plasticized real life cadavers stripped of skin and split open to reveal the intricacies of the human body, got heat after reports suggested that some of the corpses might have been obtained on the black market. Some local religious groups thought the exhibit inappropriate for kids and disrespectful to the deceased no matter how the bodies were obtained. And then some people just found it icky and gross. But most of us loved it.

BEST ILLUMINATION: Ryan McGinness’ exhibition of paintings, Aesthetic Comfort, created an optical second reality at the Cincinnati Art Museum October through February. Missed it? Imagine this: Lights are turned off; heavy, dark curtains hang in the doorway; black lights shine onto the wood panels and bring everything painted there to life. It’s a little disconcerting, looking into a painting and feeling as though you might trip into some Alice in Wonderland alternative universe.

BEST ODE TO A BEAT: Hosted by the University of Cincinnati in February, “I Gave Away the Sky” celebrated the life and legacy of poet Gregory Corso through a multimedia festival — including an art exhibition, a lecture, a poetry reading and
an evening of music — culminating with a special screening of Corso: The Last Beat, an illuminating, highly personal documentary by Cincinnati native Gustave Reininger.

BEST CELEBRATION OF THE WRITTEN WORD: The second annual Books on the Banks turned the Duke Energy Convention Center into a beehive of literary geeks in November. Everyone from nationally known fiction writers like Donald Ray Pollock to local mainstays like sports columnist Paul Daugherty took part in the Nov. 1 event, which featured six hours of incisive book talk ranging from the publishing industry to the creative juice necessary to conjure the ever-vital miracle known as the written word.

BEST GLOBAL MUSIC MESH: “World Music” is a sketchy term — all music is made in the world, right? — so some local musicians teamed together to break down barriers and offer a truly globally representative event. World Music Fest returned to the Southgate House in October for its second installment, showcasing Greater Cincinnati’s rich “World Music” scene, but didn’t stop there, including artists that play everything from Latin music, Blues, Bossa Nova and Jazz to Reggae, Native American, Chinese, Celtic and Cajun music.

BEST LIVE MASH-UP: The 2008 Cincinnati Entertainment Awards at the Emery Theater featured an amazing crosssection of live performances, bookended — in honor of King Records — by two very different, very important musical legends. Bootsy Collins opened the night with an amazing tribute to James Brown, featuring many of JB’s old bandmates and ex-wife. Closing out the night, Bluegrass legend (and King recording artist) Ralph Stanley sent chills down the spine of everyone in the building. That one’s going to be hard to top. But we love a challenge. (cea.citybeat.com)

BEST OUTDOOR CONCERT: It was a shock to many that Ohio turned blue and voted for Obama in 2008. But for those who attended the “Vote Early, Rock Late” concert on Fountain Square last fall, it shouldn’t have been a surprise. Hundreds of music fans — and Barrack backers — showed up to see critically-acclaimed Cincy-bred Indie rockers The National and Dayton AltRock legends The Breeders ride the wave of hope and change, imploring everyone to register and vote early. Even Natalie Portman — whose parents met in Cincinnati and whose grandma still lives here — said a few words on that chilly night, which was warmed by optimism, great music and more than a couple of beers. It was one of the few concerts in recent memory that you could actually feel. Unless you were a McCain backer … then you probably just drank more and bit your fingernails.

BEST LOCAL BAND THAT GETS BETTER WITH AGE: The Wolverton Brothers Photo Courtesy of The Wolverton Brothers

BEST MUSICAL REBIRTH: For too long, pioneering Cincinnati-based King Records has stood as an undernoticed musical legacy that had a huge impact on popular music, breaking down and conjoining genres and races when such things were unheard of. In the past year, King’s profile has been raised considerably, thanks to the efforts of some local music lovers who have helped the label get noticed through press outlets like The New York Times and at local events like the Cincinnati Entertainment Awards. But King isn’t a stoic museum piece anymore: Last year it was announced that a new King facility would be opening near the site of the original building in Evanston, offering professional recording studios and lots of educational opportunities. Long live the King!

BEST WAY TO KEEP THE INDIE KIDS DANCING: Once upon a time, if you went to an Indie Rock concert and showed dance moves beyond the customary “subtle head nod” you’d be laughed out of the room. Or at least get some serious stares of disapproval. But, with the success of artists like Franz Ferdinand and LCD Soundsystem, it’s apparently now “cool” to bust a move. Recognizing an opening in the market place, local arts and music consortium The Project Mill hatched “Dance_MF,” a monthly dance night on the first Saturday of each month at Northside Tavern. The themed events feature the latest in Indie, Dance and New Wave (and some oldies but goodies) and have become something of a mix between Studio 54, CBGB’s and Andy Warhol’s Factory. Take your too-cool-for-school-out-of-town friends and watch them go, “Where am I?” (dancemf.theprojectmill.com)

BEST MUSIC FESTIVAL DEBUT: Reflecting Cincinnati’s growing Hispanic population (yo, Time Warner Cable, time to put Univision on basic cable like it is in practically every other big city in the country), the Cincinnati Salsa Festival debuted in September at Sawyer Point. The fest attracted a diverse crowd and showcased Latin music from here in Cincinnati as well as from all over the country. Bueno! (www.cincinnatisalsafestival.com)

BEST CLUB RESURGENCE: After a couple of years of uncertainty and management changes, the Blue Wisp came back strong in 2008, with regular big-name national acts (including David Ornette Cherry, Peanuts Whalum and Sonny Fortune), cool “happy hour” shows, jam sessions and a continuing dedication to local Jazz musicians. The Wisp is a true gem in the Queen City’s crown. And a healthy Wisp is vital for a healthy Cincinnati Jazz scene. 318 E. Eighth St., Downtown, 513-241-9477 or www.thebluewisp.com.

BEST HAPPY HOUR WITH A FOUNTAIN VIEW: If you work downtown and know about Palomino’s happy hour, you’re also likely to suffer irresistible cravings for minty beverages during the late afternoons. You shouldn’t apologize for this — you should just fake a migraine, punch the clock and head down to this sleek restaurant overlooking Fountain Square around 3 p.m. (or any time before 7). That’s when Palomino offers half-priced appetizers, $5 pizzas and $4 drink specials, often adding cool takes on their famous mojitos. The bar area starts to pick up by 4 and gets really lively by 5, when those who resisted the fake headache finally get out of the office. The mojitos are tall and filled with fresh mint sprigs, and the pizzas are large and fancy. 505 Vine St., Downtown, 513-381-1300.

BEST REASON TO RENAME CINCINNATI “MUSIC TOWN, USA”: The MidPoint Music Festival was taken over by some weird weekly newspaper called CityBeat last year, and the change in ownership brought a lot of cool new upgrades to the festival. Expanding venues into the heart of downtown from its usual Main Street-centric locale, booking signed, bigger-name acts alongside the usual collection of strong local and national unsigned ones and offering free car shuttles to the various clubs and venues are just a few of the things that helped make MPMF08 its best year yet. Expect the fest to get even bigger in 2009 (mark your calendars for Sept. 24-26) with more venues, more big-time bands and the return of the helpful musicbiz panels and daytime events. (www.mpmf.com)

BEST LIVE LOCAL BAND RETROSPECTIVE: Over the Rhine celebrated 20 years of music making with a twonight stand at the Taft Theatre last December. On opening night, they honored their first decade by surprisingly reuniting with original members Ric Hordinski and Brian Kelley. Night two showcased their massive maturity and growth over the second decade of their career. Here’s hoping for a similar three-night-stand in 2018. (www.overtherhine.com)

BEST NEW OPPORTUNITY TO GET YOUR ARENA ROCK ON: Northern Kentucky University’s expansion has surely included some great new educational additions, but local music fans were probably happiest with the opening of the new Bank of Kentucky Center, a 10,000-seat state-of-the-art arena. Also hosting sports events and family-friendly fare (like the circus), the arena has so far only had one big Rock show: Avenged Sevenfold and Buckcherry. But with its modern specifications, it could easily become a favorite destination for touring arena-rockers like Springsteen and the Red Hot Chili Peppers. 500 Nunn Drive, Highland Heights, 859-442-2650 or www.bankofkentuckycenter.com.

BEST THEATER VALUE: Are you staying away from live theater because you think you can’t afford it? Know Theatre has the answer for budget-conscious theatergoers: $12 tickets. Thanks to a generous grant from the Carol Ann and Ralph V. Haile Jr./U.S. Bank Foundation, Know knocked the price of its tickets down from $20 for their entire 2008-09 season. You still have time to see the final production of the year, the premiere of Noah Haidle’s Vigils (April 11-25). 1120 Jackson St., Over-the Rhine, 513-300-3669 or www.knowtheatre.com.

BEST TRANSFORMATION OF DOWNTOWN: The Cincinnati Fringe Festival, organized once again by Know Theatre, continues to get bigger and better each year. The 12-day, multi-venue fest last June turned Over-the-Rhine into a buzzing haven for theatergoers who like unique work that isn’t afraid to tackle edgy material. Get out on the fringe again this summer. (www.cincyfringe.com)

BEST HIDDEN HANGOUT: How often have you headed up Vine Street and stopped at the five-way corner at West McMicken, waiting for the light to change and staring up at a funky triangular building with a circular sign naming it “Schwartz’s Point?” Well, stop staring and go in side for a musical treasure that’s been around for a while but is only just getting on people’s radar. The Jazz Club is the longtime labor of love of Jazz pianist Ed Moss, who happens to live upstairs. He’s always at the keyboard; and depending on the night he might be joined by singer Kathy Ross or vocalist Kathy Wade. On Tuesday evenings his Society Jazz Orchestra is featured. Music starts at 8:30 on Tuesdays and Thursdays and at 9 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays. Hit the ATM before you arrive: Cover charge is usually $8-$10, and drinks are cash-only. 1901 Vine St., Over-the Rhine, 513-651-2236 or www.thepointisjazz.com.

BEST WAY TO REMEMBER CINCY'S EARLY PUNK SCENE: Stories for Shorty: A Collection of Recollections from the Jockey Club 1982-1988 Provided Photo

BEST WAY TO REMEMBER CINCY'S EARLY PUNK SCENE:
Stories for Shorty: A Collection of Recollections from the Jockey Club 1982-1988 was released by the local Aurore Press, which reached out to those with experiences at the Jockey and asked for essays about their time at the club. Shorty was the club’s lovably curmudgeon bartender during a run that saw the club host big-time Punk acts (Black Flag, Husker Du, The Ramones and The Cramps, to name but a few), but the stories centered more around the underground subculture the Jockey fostered at a time when Punk and Alternative music were completely shunned by the mainstream. Speaking of “fostering” … despite the mass quantities of Foster’s oil-cans consumed, many old Jockey Clubbers actually remembered enough to contribute! (www.aurorepress.com)

BEST PROPERTY WITH POTENTIAL: Across Vine Street from the Main Public Library is the empty Universal Grill (née Hamburger Mary’s), which gave up the ghost last August after seven years. Its clientele was decidedly gay, but the place welcomed everyone — and in its burger days it was hard to get a table at lunchtime. Perhaps they got distracted by bar expansion and a fancier menu, but when one founder left to launch Below Zero Lounge it seemed to spell the end for the Grill. That’s a shame, because it brought a lot of color and vitality to downtown. Fountain Square is nice, but wouldn’t it be great to see this address back to life as a neighborhood hangout for all of downtown’s new residents?

BEST OTR CLUB: With a lineage that ties Below Zero Lounge back to Hamburger Mary’s and Universal Grill, where owner Nigel Cotterill first served local diners and drinkers, the Below Zero is the current hot spot for hip gays and straights. Regulars say it’s like a quick trip to New York or San Francisco. The downstairs bar offers dozens of flavored vodkas and inventive martinis; the newly opened upstairs Club Discotheque has a dance floor for 150-plus and a small stage with a piano for Saturday evening cabaret acts like Carol Sherman Jones, Sherry McCamley and Terry LaBolt. Sometimes there’s karaoke, other nights it’s DJ time. Open Wednesday-Sunday. 1122 Walnut St., Over-the-Rhine, 513-421- 9376 or www.belowzerolounge.com.

BEST OUT-OF-NOWHERE MUSICAL SENSATION: Local Indie hipsters probably claim they saw his first show at some basement party back in the ’90s, but, realistically, young Indie Folk singer/songwriter Daniel Martin Moore caught everyone off guard when it was announced that he’d inked a deal with the seminal Sub Pop label (the first artist signed from an unsolicited demo, according to the label). Moore’s low-key but gorgeous Stray Age received critical praise and put him on the road for much of last year. (www.danielmartinmoore.com)

BEST IMITATION OF RADIOHEAD’S DISTRIBUTION PLAN: When Radiohead decided to make its album In Rainbows available as a pay-what-you-want download, many scoffed and said, “That’s great for them, but it would never work for a new non superstar artist.” Local orchestral Indie Pop singer/songwriter Peter Adams proved them wrong with I Woke With Planets in My Face, his ornate, thoughtful and thoroughly memorable second album. Available through his Web site under a guilt inducing banner reading, “Pay what you think the music is worth,” the album no doubt found many more ears thanks to the pricing structure. And for those who wanted even more, Adams made the album available as a deluxe, limited-edition “Lunaphonic Omnibox,” which included the CD, a double-vinyl version, a vinyl EP of unreleased tracks, a 50-page book, posters and stickers. (www.peteradamsmusic.com)

BEST MUSIC SERIES REBIRTH: Walter “Doc B” Broadnax’s Jazz Series Photo By: Thomas E. Smith

BEST MUSIC SERIES REBIRTH: Walter “Doc B” Broadnax’s Jazz at the Hyatt series was sorely missed in 2008. Each week, the downtown hotel presented world class Jazz entertainment (including renowned locals and international stars), but the events eventually failed to draw the crowds they deserved. Thankfully, the good Doc found a new home at the wonderfully-revitalized Redmoor in Mount Lookout Square (formerly Jasper’s). Broadnax hasn’t missed a beat, picking up right where the Hyatt series left off with top-shelf Jazz shows every Thursday. The elegant, art decothemed club makes for a great, swanky atmosphere to enjoy weekly Jazz, as well as other types of music (from Country and Blues to Rock and Bluegrass) on the weekends. And the cover charges won’t break your bank account either, averaging around $5 a show. 3187 Linwood Ave., Mount Lookout, 513-871-6789, www.theredmoor.com.

BEST WAY TO START FRIDAY NIGHT CLUB HOPPIN’: If you grew up here, you might have always thought that Fountain Square was pleasant but probably not “cool.” With the Square’s recent facelift, the heart of city has also gotten kind of hip thanks to some groovy music programming. One of the best new features was the Indie Summer Music Series, which showcased local original musicians every Friday after work hours. Good attendance each week is making it possible for the series to return this summer, teaming up with the MidPoint Music Festival for even more summery goodness. (www.myfountainsquare.com)

BEST SPORTS BAR THAT DOUBLES AS A BETTER MUSIC VENUE: Formerly local Metal and Hard Rock haven Never on Sundays, Play By Play in Silverton has reemerged as a favorite hangout for sports and music fans alike. You can watch your favorite team on giant plasma TVs or check out a wide variety of local music, including everything from Rock cover acts and DJs to original Reggae, Rock and Jam bands. The club also began booking a great string of nationally-renowned Blues artists like Jason Ricci and Lil Ed and the Blues Imperials, giving local Blues fans a much-needed new live music outlet in the city. 6923 Plainfield Road, Silverton, 513-793-3360 or www.playbyplaycafe.com.

BEST SELF-DISCOVERY: We often feel a cold chill in the CityBeat offices, which we usually blame on our pennypinching office manager’s insistence on keeping the thermostat at 62 all winter. But they keep insisting it’s the ghost of Hank Williams. Turns out they might be right! CityBeat’s building at 811 Race St. was once the Herzog recording studios, the site where Hank Williams recorded his breakthrough hit “Lovesick Blues,” among other classics. And in the apartment building next door sits a piano on which Hank was rumored to have played in his off time. There, now can we please at least get blankets?

BEST NEW MUSIC ROOM: Local music clubs have come and gone (and gone and gone) a lot in the past few years, but Northside Tavern has remained an anchor for fans of original local music. But seeing a popular band play there used to be a bit like going to a peep show, with performers crammed in a corner by the front window playing through a P.A. system that seemed more fitting for a high school principal’s safety assembly. Thankfully, the club opened up a massive back room last year with a kick-ass P.A. system, enhancing the listening and viewing experience by about 1,000 percent. 4163 Hamilton Ave., Northside, 513-542-3603 or www.northside-tavern.com.

BEST HOPE FOR THE FUTURE: Grammer’s has been a popular watering hole since the 1870s, but it’s not seen much action for many years. Investor Martin Wade bought it from Jim Tarbell in 2007, and it’s now open on Friday and Saturday evenings as a bar with a very limited menu of brats, metts and soft pretzels. Plans for a beer garden were thwarted by a fire in September, but the place keeps plugging along. We’re still waiting for more, however. With some smart marketing and a bistro-style menu, this historic treasure — with its ornate bar, tiled floor and leaded-glass entryway from Walnut Street — could again be a Cincinnati favorite. 1440 Walnut St., Over-the-Rhine, 513-421-8300.

BEST FREE THEATER: Cohen Family Studio Theater at UC’s College-Conservatory of Music Provided Photo

BEST FREE THEATER: Go to free musical theater, opera or dramaproductions at the Cohen Family Studio Theater at UC’s College-Conservatory of Music and you’ll see some of tomorrow’s stars in the making. CCM has one of the best musical theater programs in the U.S. (auditioning hundreds of applicants for a freshman class of two dozen), a drama program that sends its grads to Hollywood and TV studios (not to mention regional theaters) and an opera program that prepares singers for glorious careers. People will pay big bucks to see these folks perform in the future, but if you pay attention you can see them perform in the intimate Studio Theater at no cost. There’s a catch: Most productions are only a few days over one weekend, and you have to reserve tickets in advance because seating is limited (maximum of 200 but often less, since the theater’s seating can be set up in many different configurations). Want to catch a hip show like Urinetown or Bat Boy: The Musical (pictured), an 18th-century chamber opera or an off-Broadway show with the ink still drying? Check CityBeat’s event listings and then call the CCM Box Office (513-556- 4183) early in the week the show is presented. You’ll be glad you did.

BEST DIVE BAR THAT HASN’T BEEN TAKEN OVER BY HIPSTERS: JD’s Honky Tonk is like blue-collar secret tucked away in the industrial section of Spring Grove Avenue. They have cheap beer, hot food and bar games of all sorts. It used to be sort of rough, but now it’s full of friendly hard workers and drinkers with nary a hipster in sight. So if you like the atmosphere of a good old-fashioned dive bar but hate men with ironic tattoos and girl pants, this is your place. Especially if you’re ready to start drinking at 5:30 a.m. 2406 Spring Grove Ave., Camp Washington, 513-721-6867.

BEST CHEAP MOVIES: So it’s Sunday morning and you just blew your budget the night before on a bar tab. If you have $5 and you can get yourself moving before noon, there’s a great option for entertainment: AMC’s 20-screen facility at Newport on the Levee discounts most of its showings if you show up early — it’s called “A.M. Cinema.” The offer goes for Saturdays and holidays, too, but don’t you have something better to do on those days? Sunday seems like the perfect time to lose yourself in the dark. Newport on the Levee, Newport, 888-AMC-4FUN.

BEST PLACE FOR AN ELECTION NIGHT VICTORY PARTY: When the TV networks announced that Barack Obama had carried Ohio on Nov. 4, 2008, the upstairs and downstairs at Milton’s in Prospect Hill erupted. Milton’s, which has been around for 25 years, is way more than a neighborhood bar, as witnessed that night in November — the crowd was a mix of gay, straight, black, white and much more. Owner Kevin Feldman is quick to capitalize on special events: Election Night featured a projection TV on the second floor and an impromptu buffet on the pool table, stocked by the bar’s friendly neighbors. Even on nights when history isn’t being made, it’s a great hangout for conversations about politics or the arts. And if that’s not enough, there’s a comprehensive juke box. Milton and Sycamore streets, Mount Auburn, 513-784-9938.

BEST PLACE TO HAVE A CONVERSATION FROM DIFFERENT SIDES OF THE ROOM: The rotunda at Union Terminal will take any Cincinnatian back in time to the days of yellow busses and field trips. There’s that giant mosaic, the ice cream shop and, of course, the acoustics. If you and a friend stand on opposites sides of the room you can whisper secrets to each other into the corner of the wall and hear them! The sound is carried along the curve of the ceiling and down into each other’s ears. It’s like magic. 1301 Western Ave., West End, 513-287-7000.

BEST “LOST” LOCAL ALBUM FINALLY RELEASED: They became one of Cincinnati’s best bands when they emerged in the early 2000s, but haunting Indie Folk Rock crew The Light Wires’ star burned out not long after, as singer/songwriter Jeremy Pinnell began focusing more on his duo project, The Great Depression. The band, which had released one amazing album in its lifetime, was reportedly working on a sophomore effort when things fell apart, leaving fans somewhat exasperated. Thanks to Tiberius Records, the equally-impressive disc The Invisible Hand came out in 2008, sadly to little fanfare. Grab it on iTunes or any other digital music outlet. You won’t be sorry. (www.tiberiusrecords.com)

BEST “LOST” LOCAL ALBUM STILL NOT RELEASED: Bigger than Jesus locally in the ’90s, Satanic Punk Bluegrass trio Hogscraper returned to the local scene a couple of years ago to the shock and joy of fans across the region. Shake It Records reissued the band’s self-titled debut, and the group seemed destined to poison the souls of Cincinnatians all over again with a bigger, even more outrageous live show and some great new tunes. A new album was promised, but then … nothing. The band disappeared, leaving a reportedly completed follow-up CD shelved indefinitely. Satan works in mysterious ways. (www.hogscraper.com)